$10.1 Million Raised in One Record, Out-of-this-World Houston Night: Famed Actor Drawn to a Supernova of a Fundraiser for UTHealth

The enthusiastic applause that filled the Marriott Marquis Hotel ballroom Friday night might have been heard all the way to the Galleria. Such was the fervor that followed the announcement that the UTHealth “Constellation Gala” had raised $10.1 million.

Applause, applause for chair Diana Hawkins, who accompanied to the stage by her husband Russell Hawkins, revealed the record-breaking windfall.

The eight-figure reveal added to the night’s already joyous celebration that honored Jane and Robert Cizik, whose recent transformational gift to UTHealth sparked naming of the nursing school after the couple. Their generous contribution provides the establishment of student scholarships along with faculty and research endowments at the Cizik School of Nursing.

“Jane and Robert, the impact you have made to the university and the School of Nursing is immeasurable,” said Dr. Giuseppe N. Colasurdo, UTHealth president and Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair. “Your gift forever ties your personal values of dedication, service, generosity and community to our school.”

Famed actor William Devane was in the house to receive the UTHealth Medal of Distinction. You might have recognized his distinguished voice on the Many Faces of UTHealth ad campaign. In presenting the award, Colasurdo noted, “By lending us your talents, you have helped us tell the UTHealth story of healing, innovation and discovery.”

Beyond the serious business of the evening, there was the decorative and entertaining salute to the constellation theme. Todd Events‘ room design, event orchestration and stunning performances by Elan Artists dancers and aerialists had guests asking over and over again, “Who did this event? Who did the flowers?” Working behind the scenes directing the program was Mr. Events himself, Todd Fiscus.

Adding notes of levity to the proceedings were The Skeletones, UTHealth students in lab coats performing a cappella.

Who: Emcee KTRK Channel 13 news anchor Melanie Lawson, Margaret Alkek Williams, Jim Daniel, Janiece Longoria and Steve Lasher, Evelyn Griffin, Ginni and Richard Mithoff, Maria and Christopher Pappas, Leila and Walt Mischer, Laura Moore and Don Sanders, Bette and Ralph Thomas, State Representative Gene Wu and Miya Shay, David Beck, and Kathy O’Neil and Phil Ferguson.